At least ten people were killed in a powerful explosion that rocked a Greek Orthodox monastery in Syria’s capital, Damascus, reportedly the result of a suicide bombing. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, and authorities are attributing the attack to ISIS. At least 10 people have been reported dead so far.

Details about the number of casualties remain unclear. The Syrian state news agency SANA, citing the Ministry of Health, reported that at least 15 people were killed. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that a total of 30 people were either killed or injured, though it did not provide a precise breakdown. Some local media outlets claim that children were among the victims.

The attacker reportedly detonated explosives inside the church. The monastery, known as Mar Elias (Saint Elias), is located in the Duwaila district of Damascus.

According to a statement from the Syrian Interior Ministry, the assailant opened fire on worshippers inside the church before detonating the explosive device.

Greek Foreign Ministry Condemns Suicide Bombing at Saint Elias Monastery in Damascus

Meanwhile, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox monastery in Damascus, emphasizing that places of worship must never be the target of violence. It called on the new Syrian authorities to take immediate action to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. The ministry also urged the implementation of measures to ensure the protection of Christian communities across Syria.